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Overview

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• About View
  • The Western Bank Library is a large building with seven floors.
  • There is one main lift, one platform lift and one main staircase in the building.
  • The floors are signed as ground floor, mezzanine, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • There is internal step-free level access between the Western Bank Library and the Arts Tower building.
  • View information on Western Bank Library.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • There is a campus car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest step-free train station is Sheffield.
  • The nearest tram stop is Sheffield University.
  • The nearest bus station is Sheffield Interchange.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Arts Tower (opens new tab) .

You are on Getting Inside. Skip to the next section.

Getting Inside

• The approach to the building is step-free and level.
• Western Bank Library has two external entrances which provide access to the ground and mezzanine floors, and one internal entrance which provides access to the Mezzanine level from the Arts Tower.
• The surveyed accessible external and the internal entrance are signed as the Western Bank Library.
  The secondary external entrance is not signed.
• The accessible entrance provides step-free level access to the ground floor.
• The entrance from the terrace gives step-free level access to the Mezanine level.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access via lift throughout the building on all floors.
• Some floor surfaces along circulation routes are hard and smooth with some having a shiny finish.
• There are resting areas in some circulation, lobby and library areas with a mixture of seating.
• Overhead and wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
• There are no manual doors in any circulation routes.

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Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located on the ground floor.
  • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the male and female standard toilets.
  • The female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
  • The male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
• Washroom and Shower Facilities View
  • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located on the ground floor.

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Rooms and Services in the Building

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• Lecture Theatres View
  • View information on The Wolfson Suite - 4010 (opens new tab) .

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Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front and to the side of the Arts Tower.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 7 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 345cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy ramp or slope.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for Blue Badge holders and permit holders only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Entrance (Accessible Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Accessible Entrance)

• This entrance is located at the front of the building.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open towards you.
• There is a push pad at a height of 80cm.
• The width of the opening is 144cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 106cm.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The second set of doors are permanently held open.
• The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 81cm.
• The width of the opening is 142cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 107cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The reception is located on the left as you enter.
• The distance from the accessible entrance is 7m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 97cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 77cm.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 96cm to 127cm from the floor.
• The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: large text.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: sofas and benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
• There are security barriers which are operated by key card.

You are on Stairs (Ground Floor to Mezzanine Floor). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Ground Floor to Mezzanine Floor)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
• the ground and mezzanine floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Entrance (Internal from the Arts Tower). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Internal from the Arts Tower)

• This entrance is located on the Mezzanine level.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door opens away from you.
• The width of the opening is 76cm.
• The door has a low visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double manual doors.
• The second set of doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 156cm.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.

You are on Reception (Mezzanine Level Welcome Desk). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Mezzanine Level Welcome Desk)

• The reception is located on the Mezzanine level next to the internal entrance to the Arts Tower.
• The distance from the platform lift is 3m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 75cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by key card.

You are on Library. Skip to the next section.

Library

• There is step-free level access throughout the library, this may include the use of a lift.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas and high stools.
• Furniture available in the library includes: tables, coffee tables, high tables and desks.
• The desks are fixed.
• Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This library is able to provide material in the following formats: ebook and ejournal.
• Auxiliary aids available in this library include: ergonomic chairs, adjustable foot rests, document holders, coloured overlays and headsets.
• Accessible software available for the computers includes: JAWS, Zoomtext, Texthelp Read&Write, ClaroRead, Inspiration, Mindview and Dragon Naturally Speaking.

You are on Lift (Platform Lift - Mezzanine Level to Level 4). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Platform Lift - Mezzanine Level to Level 4)

• The lift surveyed is located on the Mezzanine level to the left of the welcome desk.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from main lift is 27m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and automatic doors.
• The Mezzanine level and Level 4 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The weight limit for the lift is 250kg.
• The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 92cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 84cm (width) x 136cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Mezzanine Level to Level 4). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Mezzanine Level to Level 4)

• The stairs surveyed are located on the Mezzanine level to the left of the welcome desk.
• the Mezzanine level and Level 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 5 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right going up.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Stairs (Level 4 to Level 3). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Level 4 to Level 3)

• The stairs surveyed are located within in the Level 4 library area.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• Level 3 and Level 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 13 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right going down.
• The handrail is not easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 19cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Level 3 to Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Level 3 to Level 2)

• The stairs surveyed are located in the library area on Level 3.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• Levels 2 and Level 3 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 13 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right going down.
• The handrail is not easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 20cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Level 5 to Level 6). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Level 5 to Level 6)

• The stairs surveyed are located in the reading room on Level 5.
• Level 5 and Level 6 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 14 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps have open risers.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Reception (Level 5 - Information Desk). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Level 5 - Information Desk)

• The reception is located to the left after exiting the lift on Level 5.
• The distance from main lift is 9m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 106cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and sofas.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.

You are on Stairs (Mezzanine to Levels 5 and 6). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Mezzanine to Levels 5 and 6)

• The stairs surveyed are located on the Mezzanine level opposite the Welcome Desk.
• the Mezzanine level, Level 5 and Level 6 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Shower with Adaptations (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Shower with Adaptations (Ground Floor)

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• Location and Access View
  • The shower surveyed is located along the corridor on the ground floor beyond the reception area.
  • The distance from the accessible entrance is 24m.
  • The most accessible route to the shower has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into the facility.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with a handrail on the right going up.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a fixed height shower head.
  • The shower controls are lever mixer.
  • There is a flip-down shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 46cm from the floor.
  • There are dropdown rails for the shower.
  • The grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The facility has a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 99cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The ramp described is located immediately after the door on the inside of the shower room and is used to access the shower area within the room.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Shared - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Shared - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located along the corridor beyond the reception area.
  • The distance from the accessible entrance is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 151cm (width) x 217cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 102cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer which requires hands to be inserted into the top.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 80cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 99cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.